Page 1 of 2 Next >>One of the first projects started after Citroën acquired Maserati in 1968 was the development of a mid-engined sports car. While the company had been one of Italy's first manufacturers to produce a mid-engined racing car back in 1961, Maserati had to leave road car honours to the likes of Lamborghini and DeTomaso with cars like the Miura and Mangusta respectively.

Styling was key for any Italian sports car at the time, and to an extent still is, so Maserati called in the help of one of the best in the business for the design of the new car; Giorgietto Giugiaro. Having recently set up shop for himself under the Italdesign banner, Giugiaro had previously worked for Maserati as head of design for Ghia with the Ghibli as his finest work. Maserati asked Giugiaro to combine the mid-engined layout with the creature comforts and luggage space of a conventional Grand Tourer.

Nearly two years in the making, the new Maserati Bora was finally launched at the 1971 Geneva Motor Show. Giugiaro's design combined the some classic Maserati elements with the lines of the Alfa Romeo based Iguana show car first shown at the 1969 Turin Motor Show. The subtle 'wedge' shape was dominated by a brushed stainless steel roof and a sizeable engine cover that included a substantial amount of glass. Pop-up headlights were fitted, which gave the Bora a very clean look.

Under the skin, the Bora sported a central monocoque chassis with subframes front and rear to support the suspension and drivetrain. Like the rest of the car, the suspension was thoroughly modern with double wishbones and coil springs all-round. Parent company Citroën provided its superb high-pressure hydraulic power brake system. The first cars were fitted with solid discs, which were later replaced by internally ventilated examples. In similar vain the early recirculating ball steering was substituted for rack-and-pinion. Page 1 of 2 Next >>